Loss
of
Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when
the
three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In
any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying
to
steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area
of
less
danger.
Skidding
In
a
skid, a driver can lose control of
the
vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited
to
existing conditions, and by
not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types
of
skids correspond
to
your Chevrolet’s
three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels
aren’t rolling.
In
the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in
a
curve causes tires
to
slip and
lose cornering force. And
in
the acceleration skid too
much throttle causes
the
driving wheels
to
spin.
A
cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your
foot
off
the accelerator pedal.
If
your vehicle starts
to
slide, ease your
foot
off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way
you
want the
vehicle
to
go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten
out.
Always
be
ready for a
second skid if
it
occurs.
Of course, traction
is
reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is
on
the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important
to
slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving
on
a
surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may
not
realize
the
surfxe is slippery
until
your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
--
such
as
enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a “mirrored surface”
--
and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system
(ABS)
helps
avoid
only
the braking skid.
4-12
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